Battle begins

In the dimly lit, high-security tech room, Arath Syn and Aether Lumenis stand before the escape pod. It is sleek, with a metallic surface that shimmers faintly in the low light, its design more advanced than anything Aetron has ever seen. The pod stands at least ten feet tall, with rounded edges and a smooth, almost organic shape. Holographic interfaces flicker above the pod, displaying a variety of vital stats: energy levels, pod status, and coordinates for distant destinations. Aether runs a hand over the gleaming surface, visibly unsettled.

"Are you sure this will work, Arath?" Aether's voice is tense, though his eyes never leave the pod. "This isn't just a matter of escaping Aetron. This is... sending Kael into the unknown."

Arath's expression remains calm, though there's a weight to his gaze as he responds. "It's their only chance. If the war goes badly... if the council overpowers us... then Aetron will be lost to them and they'll kill every little thing that would challenge their authority. The only way to ensure Kael and LUX survives—is to send them somewhere they'll be safe."

Aether steps closer to the pod, studying the complex, almost living-like design. "But two seats?" He gestures toward the second seat, his brow furrowed. "Why two? I thought we were only sending Kael."

Arath hesitates for a moment, then turns to face Aether directly. "The situation is more delicate than you think. I can't risk losing Lyra, not if she's here when the battle falls. If the worst happens, she needs to be with Kael, far from here. It's the only way I can ensure they both survive, even if we lose."

Aether stares at him, weighing the decision. After a long pause, he nods slowly. "You're right. If we lose this war, they'll be our only hope. The future of Aetron won't be worth fighting for if we lose them."

Arath's face hardens with resolve as he continues, "I've made sure the pod is ready for them. It's equipped with everything they'll need to survive, at least for a time. But I'm not sending them away until we're certain we've lost. They'll be the last option."

Aether finally lets out a long breath, his eyes filled with both fear and acceptance. "Tell me about Earth. Where exactly are we sending them?"

Arath steps toward a holographic map that appears in the air, the stars and galaxies shifting as he taps a few commands. A projection of a small blue planet floats before them, its surface covered by vast oceans and landmasses, marked by clouds and storms. "Earth," Arath says, his voice steady but with an undertone of sadness. "It's a planet in a distant part of the universe, millions of light-years away from Aetron."

Aether studies the projection carefully, eyes narrowing. "How do you know so much about it?"

"I've had time to study it," Arath replies, his tone serious. "It's similar to Aetron in many ways—life thrives there, the air is breathable, and the inhabitants are humanoid. They're called humans." He pauses for a moment, tapping a button on the holographic interface to zoom in on Earth's moon. "They live on a planet with a single moon, much like Aetron once had. The moon affects their tides and environment, but it's far smaller and less stable than ours."

Arath continues, swiping through different holograms to show Earth's sun, a yellow star far weaker than Aetron's, and how it impacts the planet. "Their sun is a yellow dwarf. Not as powerful as ours, but it provides the necessary light and warmth for their world to sustain life. Earth's environment is somewhat primitive compared to Aetron, but they've built their own civilizations. They don't have the technology we do—nothing close—but they're resourceful.

Aether watches the projection closely, his mind racing, "And they'll be safe there? On a planet like that?"

Arath meets his gaze. "They'll be safe, at least for a time. The pod is equipped with enough supplies for them to survive, and I've ensured that they can blend in with the humans. They'll need to adapt quickly, but they won't be alone. The pod will allow them to disguise themselves as human beings. The technology can alter their appearance, their vital signs—everything."

Aether is silent for a moment, before speaking again, quieter this time. "I never thought it would come to this. Sending our children away... to another universe."

"I never wanted it to be this way, either," Arath says. "But Aetron's future isn't secure, Aether. If we lose, they'll be the last hope."

Just then, a soft chime echoes from the pod's control panel, signaling its readiness. Arath steps back and looks at the pod one last time. "This is the only way. If the war is lost, Kael and Lyra will need to leave immediately."

Aether turns away, his face hardened by the weight of what they've decided. "And if we win?"

"Then they stay here," Arath replies. "But if we lose, they will carry LUX's legacy.

Aether gives a solemn nod, and they both remain silent for a long moment, contemplating the future of their people, their children, and the world they've come to know. The pod hums quietly, ready to send the children into a distant universe—a universe far from the war and the turmoil that threatens to tear Aetron apart.

Back in the Lumenis and Syn homes, Aelina and Lyra's mother share one final, heavy conversation. The mothers know the truth, even though their children don't. They understand that this is their only choice. The war is too dangerous, the threats too great. Their children, though they are young have to survive, and their survival may depend on a journey to an unknown, distant world.

With hearts full of sorrow and fear, the mothers agree—Earth is their children's only chance. It is a painful decision, but it is one they must make. They won't have much time to say goodbye, but in the end, they will do anything to keep Kael and Lyra safe.

_____

It started at dawn.

Aether Lumenis had barely finished his final strategy meeting when the alarms blared through Polaris Spire. The war had come. The enemies had recovered from the attack they suffered. This is a big problem for Aether and his Allies....they did not expect Darius Veryon and his Allies to recover so quickly.

The first explosion tore through the lower districts—an energy detonation that sent shockwaves rippling through the towering city. Within seconds, the sky turned red with emergency lights, and the automated defense systems activated. Holographic warnings flickered in the air, broadcasting a single message across Aetron:

"Emergency Alert: The council has declared war. All civilians must evacuate immediately."

Then, the real attack began.

Darius Veryon's forces struck fast and without mercy. Hidden operatives within the city emerged from the shadows, assassinating key officers and disabling power grids. Energy turrets, hacked by the council's technicians, turned against Aether's forces. Warships descended from the upper atmosphere, unleashing precision strikes on strongholds still loyal to Aether.

The city of Polaris Spire became a battlefield.

Deep inside the Lumenis residence, Kael jolted awake at the sound of the first explosion. The ground trembled beneath him, and before he could react, his bedroom door slid open.

Eryndor, the chief security officer of the Lumenis family, stormed in. His usual composed demeanor was gone, replaced by urgency. His energy-reactive armor flickered as he moved, and his weapon was already drawn.

"Kael, get up. Now."

Kael sat up, blinking in confusion. "What's happening?"

Eryndor didn't waste time explaining. He crossed the room in two strides, gripping Kael's arm. "We need to go. Your father ordered your evacuation."

Kael resisted. "Evacuation? I need to find my father—"

"There's no time!" Eryndor snapped. "The council's forces are attacking. Your father needs you safe."

That was when another explosion rocked the building.

Kael barely managed to stay on his feet. The room's energy shielding flickered, absorbing the impact. In the distance, sirens wailed, and the sky outside flashed with bursts of light—gunfire, energy blasts, and the glow of destruction.

Lyra Syn appeared in the doorway, her silver eyes wide with alarm. "What's happening? Where's my father?"

Eryndor turned sharply. "Both of you—come with me. Now."

He didn't wait for an answer. He grabbed Kael's wrist and pulled him forward. Lyra followed, her breathing uneven.

They sprinted through the corridors of the Lumenis estate, passing security officers scrambling to defend the stronghold. The sounds of battle were getting closer. Kael's mind raced—this was real. This was war.

As they reached the exit, Eryndor activated his communicator. "I have the targets. We're en route to Syn's residence."

Kael's stomach twisted. "Syn's residence? Why aren't we staying to fight?"

Eryndor didn't slow down. "Your father ordered it. He and Arath prepared a safe location for you both."

Kael clenched his jaw, frustration burning inside him. He knew what this was. They were trying to keep him out of the war.

They reached a transport pod waiting just outside the estate, its engines already running. Eryndor pushed them inside. "Strap in. We move now."

As the doors sealed shut, Kael looked back through the window. Fires burned in the distance, and the city was collapsing into chaos.

By the time Kael and Lyra arrived at Arath Syn's hidden residence, the battle was in full force.

The Lumenis stronghold, once an impenetrable fortress, was under siege.

Inside Arath Syn's residence, Kael Lumenis stood rigid, his steel-blue eyes locked onto the holographic screen displaying the chaos outside. He could see the streets burning, the sky darkened by smoke, and Aether Lumenis' forces clashing with the council's army. Energy weapons illuminated the battlefield with bursts of blue and crimson light as buildings crumbled under the relentless assault.

He clenched his fists. He should be out there.

Instead, he was here—trapped.

Kael had been told that staying in Arath's residence was for his safety. That he was being protected. But deep inside, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. He had argued, fought, demanded to join, but his father had been firm.

"Stay here. That's an order."

And somehow, they had convinced him. Lied to him.

Lyra Syn sat nearby, tense but composed. She had accepted their fathers' wishes, but Kael could see the worry in her shimmering silver eyes.

"They're keeping us here for a reason," Kael muttered, his voice tight with frustration. "This isn't just about safety."

Lyra sighed. "You think I don't know that?" She glanced at the screen, watching as their home fell into war. "But what can we do? Even if we leave, we'll just get in the way."

Kael's jaw tightened. "That's what they want us to think."

Before Lyra could respond, the doors slid open, and Arath Syn entered. His usual calm demeanor was absent, replaced by something Kael had never seen before—worry.

"You're staying here," Arath said firmly. "No arguments."

Kael turned sharply. "Why? My father is out there, fighting for his life, and you want me to sit here and watch?"

Arath exhaled, his gaze hardening. "Because he ordered me to keep you here. He knew you'd try to fight. And he knew you'd die if you did."

Kael felt a sharp sting at the words, but he refused to back down. "So what? You expect me to do nothing?"

"I expect you to trust him," Arath shot back. "You may not understand now, but one day, you will."

Kael's glowing veins pulsed with frustration, but he forced himself to stay silent.

Arath glanced at Lyra. "Both of you. Stay here. No matter what happens outside, you do not leave this building."

And with that, he turned and left.

At the Lumenis stronghold, the war reached its boiling point. Aether's forces fought back with everything they had. Elite warriors in energy-reactive armor moved with inhuman speed, engaging the council's troops in brutal close combat. Plasma rifles illuminated the battlefield as fighters weaved between the towering structures, dodging strikes and returning fire.

Aether himself was at the front line, his energy-blade carving through enemy ranks with precise, lethal efficiency.

But the council's army was overwhelming. Their numbers were greater, their technology are repurposed for destruction.

Aether stood at the heart of the battlefield, his energy-reactive armor pulsing with every movement. His forces were holding their ground, but the council's army was relentless. Led by Darius Veryon himself, their soldiers were enhanced with stolen energy technology, making them faster, stronger, deadlier.

Amidst the chaos, Aether fought with precision and purpose, cutting through enemies with swift, calculated strikes. His blade, a weapon of pure energy, glowed with an intense blue light as it clashed against enemy weapons.

Then, amidst the wreckage and fire, he saw him.

Darius Veryon.

The battlefield seemed to quiet around them as the two men locked eyes. Darius stood tall, his dark eyes cold, his silver-trimmed armor untouched by the destruction around him. Aether, breathing heavily, tightened his grip on his weapon.

Darius took a slow step forward, his voice carrying through the ruins. "You knew this day would come, Aether."

Aether didn't answer.

"You've always been stubborn," Darius continued, his smirk cruel. "Always so righteous. Did you really think you could defy the council and walk away unscathed?"

Aether finally spoke, his voice steady. "I never cared about the council. I cared about Aetron. And you… you would rather burn it to the ground than let it evolve."

Darius chuckled, shaking his head. "Evolve? Is that what you call it?" He gestured around at the destruction. "Look at what your so-called progress has done. LUX was the beginning of the end. You and Arath should have known better."

Aether's grip tightened. "We did know better. That's why we built it. To free Aetron. To give our people control over their own fate."

Darius' expression darkened. "And that's exactly why you need to die."

Without another word, Aether lunged.

Their blades clashed in a blinding flash of energy, sending shockwaves through the battlefield. The duel had begun.

Around them, the war raged on.